Distribution Availability Test

If your project is connected to the distribution system, the distribution availability test will be performed by your local distribution company on your project once it has passed the transmission availability test. The test will determine if there is connection availability in the distribution system to connect your renewable energy project.

Applications will be assessed in sequential order based on their application time-stamp.

The distribution availability test will address two questions:

  1. Is there or will there be capacity at the connection point provided?
  2. Are there planned, approved or system upgrades pending approval that will allow a project to connect and be in service by the project's milestone date for commercial operation?

The distribution availability test considers factors such as:

  1. existing distribution system and planned upgrades
  2. existing and committed generation facilities
  3. the balance between electricity load and generation.

Possible results of the distribution availability test are set out below.

Distribution Availability Test

 Result 

Next Step

  • there is currently connection availability, or
  • there are currently planned and approved distribution system upgrades that will allow the project to connect by the project's milestone date for commercial operation

pass

  • proceed to contract
  • there are currently distribution system upgrades planned that are pending approval; or
  • there are currently approved distribution system upgrades however, they will not be completed in time to allow the project to connect by the project's milestone date for commercial operation

pass

  • proceed to FIT production line
  • there is insufficient connection availability

fail

  • proceed to next economic connection test
  • the project will serve as input to future distribution expansion plans